Ductless Mini Splits for Historic Homes

Historic homes are treasures, snapshots in time with their unique architecture and craftsmanship. But these cherished dwellings often present a challenge: how to achieve modern comfort without sacrificing their historical integrity.

Your solution? Install a ductless mini split to heat and cool your Redmond, historic property. With a ductless HVAC unit, you won’t have to worry about tearing up walls to add ductwork or making other changes to your home.

Traditional ducted HVAC systems can be disruptive and costly, making ductless mini splits an increasingly popular solution.

Preserve the charm of your historic home. Our team at Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc. can help with the planning, design, and installation of your ductless mini split. Call us today at 541-323-1840 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Balancing Modern Comfort and Historic Preservation

Historic homeowners in Redmond, face a unique dilemma. They want to enjoy the conveniences of modern living, like efficient heating and cooling, while preserving the original character of their properties.

Ductless mini splits offer a way to strike that balance, providing effective climate control without the extensive construction required by traditional systems.

How Do Ductless Mini Splits Work?

Before diving into the benefits, it’s helpful to understand the basic mechanics of a ductless mini split system. Unlike traditional central HVAC systems, which rely on ductwork to distribute conditioned air, mini splits operate independently.

• Two Main Components:
  • The system consists of an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units.
  • These units are connected by refrigerant lines, condensate tubing to remove condensation, and electrical wiring, which passes through a small hole in the wall.  
    
    
• Refrigerant Circulation:
  • The outdoor compressor circulates refrigerant to the indoor unit.  
  • In cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and transfers it outdoors.
  • In heating mode, the process is reversed, with the refrigerant extracting heat from the outdoor air and releasing it indoors.  
    
    
• Individual Zone Control:
  • Each indoor unit provides independent temperature control for its designated zone, allowing for personalized comfort.  
  • This is accomplished by a thermostat located on the indoor unit.  
    
    
• Inverter Technology:
  • Many modern mini splits utilize inverter technology, which allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds.
  • This results in more consistent temperatures and greater energy efficiency.

Why Ductless is a Perfect Fit for Historic Homes

Ductless mini splits are great for supplementing your existing HVAC system. You can add a new room to your home and install a mini split to heat and cool your new addition without extending ductwork.

Mini splits also offer the perfect solution for older homes without any ductwork that requires heating and cooling. Here’s why:

• Preserving the Architectural Fabric
  One of the most significant advantages of ductless systems is their minimal impact on the home’s structure. Unlike ducted systems, which require extensive modifications to walls, ceilings, and possibly even floors, ductless systems only necessitate a small, discreet hole for refrigerant lines and electrical wiring.
  
  This small penetration minimizes the risk of damaging original plasterwork, ornate moldings, or other irreplaceable architectural details. It ensures that the home’s historical character remains intact, allowing future generations to appreciate its authenticity.
  
  The compact indoor units can be strategically placed to blend seamlessly with the existing décor, further enhancing the system’s unobtrusiveness.

• Cost-Effective Comfort
  Installing ductwork in a historic home can be a costly and time-consuming undertaking. It often involves significant structural modifications, which can drive up labor and material expenses.
  
  Ductless systems, on the other hand, offer a more affordable alternative. Their simpler installation process translates to lower labor costs, and the reduced need for extensive construction minimizes material expenses.
  
  The HVAC-zoned heating and cooling capabilities of a ductless system also help to lower utility bills.

• Versatility and Adaptability
  Historic homes often have unique layouts and configurations that can make traditional HVAC systems impractical. Ductless systems, with their ability to provide zoned heating and cooling, offer a high degree of flexibility.
  
  They can be installed in specific rooms or areas, allowing homeowners to customize their comfort levels. This is particularly beneficial for homes with additions, converted attics, or other spaces that are difficult to reach with ductwork.
  
  Ductless systems also integrate well with existing heating systems. Whether your Redmond, historic home relies on a furnace, boiler, or even a wood-burning fireplace, a ductless system can supplement and enhance its performance.

• Compact and Discreet Design
  Space is often at a premium in historic homes. Ductless systems, with their compact indoor and outdoor units, are designed to minimize their footprint.
  
  Indoor units can be mounted on walls or ceilings, freeing up valuable floor space. Outdoor units are typically small and can be placed discreetly on the side of the house.
  
  This compact design ensures that the system doesn’t detract from the home’s aesthetic appeal.

Ductless Mini Split Installation in Redmond

At Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc., we specialize in installing ductless units for homes and businesses in Redmond, and the surrounding area:

• One of our qualified HVAC contractors will begin by assessing your home’s specific needs and recommending the appropriate system size and configuration.
• The installation process involves drilling a small hole through an exterior wall to connect the indoor and outdoor units.
• The indoor unit is mounted on a wall or ceiling, and the outdoor unit is placed on a concrete pad or wall bracket.
• Refrigerant lines and electrical wiring are then connected between the two units.
• Because the hole needed is small, most historic homes can have this work completed without any major permitting issues.

How Much Does a Ductless Mini Split Cost?

The cost of installing a ductless mini split system can vary depending on the number of zones, the size of the units, and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 and $14,500, with a national average of around $3,000.  

While the initial investment may seem significant, the long-term energy savings and the preservation of the home’s value can offset the cost. Additionally, your ductless heat pump may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000.

At Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc., we offer our customers convenient financing options to help with these heating and cooling projects.

Is Installing a Ductless Mini Split a DIY Job?

While some homeowners may be tempted to install a ductless system themselves, it’s generally not recommended. DIY installations often void manufacturer warranties, leaving homeowners vulnerable to costly repairs.

A professional HVAC contractor like Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc. has the expertise and experience to ensure that the system is installed correctly and safely.  

Learn More About Ductless Mini Split Solutions

Ductless mini split systems offer a modern comfort solution that respects your Redmond, home’s historical integrity. Diversified Heating & Cooling, Inc. understands how to install a mini split without compromising your property’s charm and architectural value. For a free consultation, call us today at 541-323-1840 or request service online.